Mike Gill

Secretary
Maryland Department of Commerce

Mike Gill is usually awake by 5 a.m. every day. He rarely lies in bed thinking about getting up. He just jumps out of bed. Gill says he’s inspired every day by his job — its variety and the realization that what the department does matters for businesses in the state.

“People really are interested and care a lot about our efforts to create a really, really positive business environment in Maryland because business is hard enough to be successful,” he says. “… I feel like we really make a difference for businesses, and that all stems from the top.”

Gill credits Gov. Larry Hogan, who tapped him to become secretary in 2015, for backing the department and its efforts. “I wouldn’t have taken (the job) if I didn’t believe that (Hogan) was serious about ‘Open For Business’ (the department’s motto) and having a great environment for companies to be successful,” he says.

Since he became secretary, the state has added over 100,000 new jobs.

Before becoming secretary, Gill spent four decades as an entrepreneur, a technology executive and an investment banker. He led the investment bank, Evergreen Advisors, as chairman and principal and also founded several businesses, including investment firm Hoyt Capital and First Page which was later acquired by MetroCall.

Active in the community, he has held past and present board positions on the Towson University Board of Visitors, Calvert Hall Board of Trustees and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, among others.

[Back to Influential Marylanders Winners]